Support for a track-guided high-speed vehicle

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, a support ( 1 ) for a track-guided high-speed vehicle, particularly a magnetically levitated train, is mounted at intervals on pillars ( 9 ). Functional elements ( 7 ) for guiding the vehicle are arranged on the support&#39;s outer sides. The outer surfaces of the support ( 1 ) are provided in a streamlined form with regard to the vehicle by virtue of the fact that, when viewing the support ( 1 ) in a longitudinal direction, there are essentially no changes made to the cross-section of the support ( 1 ), and the shaping of the support ( 1 ) covers, to a large extent, the pillars ( 9 ) opposite the vehicle. In curved areas of the travel way, the support ( 1 ) is shorter and, if necessary, lower than in the straight areas of the travel way.

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a support (hereinafter “beam”) for a track guided high speed vehicle, especially a magnetically levitated railroad, wherein the beam is supported at intervals on piers and on the outer side of said beam, functional elements are placed for the guidance of a vehicle, in accord with the generic concept of claim 1.

[0002] DE 41 15 935 C2, for example, has made known a travel-way construction for magnetically levitated railroads, in which fittings for the guidance of a vehicle are placed on a beam and directed toward the inside. The beam itself is U-shaped, when seen in cross-section. The beam is supported on piers, whereby, for the better acceptance of the beam, holders are provided, in which the said beams lie. The holders extend themselves around the U-shaped cross-section on the outside and thus stabilize the beam. The holders themselves are in turn supported by bearing surfaces on the piers. Disadvantageous in the case of such a travel-way is, that the beam, exhibits a relatively great degree of elasticity due to the open beam construction. Although the equipment placements must be very exactly aligned with each other in order to guide a vehicle, with this design of the travel-way, the satisfactory stabilization of the beam and the positioning of the equipment components is only possible with the aid of the holder.

[0003] DE 38 25 508 C1 discloses a travel-way which is comprised of a hollow, essentially T-shaped beam. On the outer sides of the upper flanges of the beam are placed functional elements for the guidance of a magnetically levitated vehicle. The beam itself is again supported on individual piers, whereby the piers possess holders, which grip the bases of the beam. Disadvantageous in the case of a beam of this type, is that although the design permits far more precise positioning of the functional elements to one another than is required by the a travel-way constructed according to DE 41 15 935, in spite of this, still the beam shows a poor torsion rigidity.

[0004] This comes into effect particularly during extreme high speeds of a vehicle, such as, for instance, in excess of 500 km./h, often exhibiting itself as a rough ride of a vehicle.

[0005] It is disadvantageous in the case of the above described embodiments of the state of the technology, that especially during the said high speeds of modern magnetically levitated vehicles, the flow resistance of the beams and their supporting means prevent a smooth run of a vehicle. Especially the holders of the beams or the piers, on which the beams are supported, cause periodic buffets on a vehicle, when the pressurized air encounters their resistance.

[0006] Thus the purpose of the invention is, to furnish, by means of an appropriate adaptation of the beam to high speed magnetically levitated railroads, a smooth and comfortable run of magnetically levitated vehicles.

[0007] This purpose is achieved by the features of the claims 1 or 12.

[0008] If the outer surface of the beam is constructed with concern given to a favorable airflow in relation to a vehicle, wherein—as seen in the longitudinal direction of the beam—no cross-sectional changes occur, and the formation of the beam predominately covers the piers in relation to a vehicle, then, in an advantageous and inventive manner, the effect is that the air pushed away from a vehicle can uniformly escape and thus a smooth run of a vehicle is assured. By means of the invented design of the beam, at the same time, a uniform, comfortable run of a vehicle is effected. Because of the fact, that the cross-section of the beam predominately remains unchanged, no repeated flow impacts act against a vehicle. A uniform airflow is also brought about, in that, in relation to a vehicle, the piers are covered and thus the support of the beam does not interfere with the escape of the pressurized air from a vehicle. This also contributes to a uniform run of a vehicle.

[0009] It is particularly of advantage, if the beam is so designed, that it possesses a lower flange, which covers the piers or shields them in a favorable manner in respect to vehicle slipstream. When this is done, because of the shaping of the basic form of the beam, the airflow at any one pier is immediately slides by without impingement. In addition, or alternatively, it can be advantageous if the beam is equipped with a console essentially covering the pier and which console is shaped or located to be air-flow friendly.

[0010] It is of advantage, if the beam has at least one opening for the inspection of its hollow space. In this way, the accessibility and the monitoring of the reliability of the beam will be easier during the regularly scheduled inspections which are to be carried out. Beyond this, personnel can enter through the opening into the interior of the beam to lay and maintain supply lines and/or communication lines which are dependent on or independent of vehicle operation. By means of these uses of the hollow space of the beam, a very economical laying of lines can be carried out. Also, lines, which have nothing to do with the operation of a vehicle, can be laid along the now available stretch of the magnetically levitated railroad and thereby take advantage of a very economical kind of line running.

[0011] Thus it can also be avoided, that separate beams need be installed, for example for communication lines or that these lines must be laid separately underground.

[0012] Advantageously, the beam has an airflow friendly clearance space for the reception of the guide elements, which the functional units of a vehicle occupy. This clearance space is designed to follow the beam in the flange area, without essential cross-sectional changing. In this way, the escape flow of vehicle displaced air is positively influenced. Moreover, essentially, an I-beam is created which possesses a particularly high stability, torsion resistance and load capacity.

[0013] The placement of the beam on the piers is advantageously done in such a manner, that the bearing elements are placed on the lower flange of the beam. The bearing elements as well as the piers are, in this way, covered over by means of the outwardly extending lower flange which covers said piers. Airflow impacts are avoided by this measure.

[0014] A particularly advantageous mode of construction of the beams is found therein, in that the beam is made of concrete, in particular out of precast concrete components. By this means, a very precise and error-free manufacture of the beam can be carried out in a fabrication plant. For instance, in this way, a dependency on weather conditions during the manufacture of the beam, such as site manufacture would entail, is avoided.

[0015] In order to attain a particularly high degree of stability of the beam, it is of advantage if the lower flange is broader than the upper flange. For the rigidity of the beam, it is of advantage if it has a bulkhead or haunches. The cross-sectional shape of the beam can, with this advantage, be made to smaller measurements but still maintain the same structural rigidity. If haunches are placed in the beam, then, besides the increased rigidity, also a simple anchorage-possibility for tensioning members is created.

[0016] Where curving is concerned, the beam advantageously forms a spatial curve, in that the beam is supported about a rotation of its longitudinal axis, and by means of a lengthening and/or a shortening of the cantilever arm, a radius is formed.

[0017] A further possibility for making the curve, would be that the upper flange of the beam is constructed in a rotation about its longitudinal axis and by means of extending or shortening the cantilever arm, a radius is formed.

[0018] A spatial curve of the beam can also be constructed, in that fastening consoles of the functional elements in the run of the longitudinal axis of the beam are offset vertically and by the lengthening or the shortening of the fastening consoles a radius is built.

[0019] It has been determined in an advantageous and inventive manner, that the curve adjustment of the beam can be carried out essentially quicker, more economically and more exactly, if the beam components in the arc are shorter and thereby need less individual adjustment, than is advantageous in the straight-line components, which have fewer supports. The shorter beams can then, while maintaining their rigidity, consume less material, be built less expensively than the straight components which have a greater distance between supports.

[0020] If the hollow space of the beam is open at the bottom, wherein the lower flanges are of two parts, than a less heavy and more economical beam is made, which frequently can fulfill the required demands in regard to structural rigidity.

[0021] If the hollow space possesses bulkheads, then the beam is additionally stiffened.

[0022] Further advantages are to be acquired from the embodiments depicted in the following. There is shown in:

[0023]FIG. 1 a cross-section through an invented beam,

[0024]FIG. 2 a cross-section through an invented canted beam,

[0025]FIG. 3 another cross-section through an invented beam,

[0026]FIG. 4 a cross-section through an invented beam for a curved section,

[0027]FIG. 5 a further cross section through an invented beam for a curved section,

[0028]FIG. 6 a perspective view of an invented beam, and

[0029]FIG. 7 a perspective view of a further invented beam.

[0030] In FIG. 1 a cross-section of an invented beam 1 is presented. The beam 1 is made from a prefab concrete component and has an upper flange 2 and a lower flange 3. The upper flange and lower flanges 2 and 3 are bound together by means of webs 4 and so form a hollow space 5. For entry of inspection personnel or for the laying of lines in the hollow space 5, an opening 10 is provided. One opening 10 per beam usually suffices, but preferably a plurality of openings 10 is favorable for simple accessibility to the hollow space 5. If a large number of openings 10 are provided, then this can lead to a clear reduction in the use of concrete and thus also lead to a more favorable manufacturing cost for the beam 1.

[0031] The webs 4, in relation to the upper flange 2 and the lower flange 3, are placed to make a trapezoidal cross-section. This arrangement brings about a still better support of the beam 1 as well as contributing more to its stiffness than is achieved in comparison with the state of the technology. The beam, by means of this formation, is extremely torsion resistant and assures thereby a reliable and disturbance free operation of a vehicle.

[0032] Between the upper flange 2 and the lower flange 3, a clearance space 6 is allowed, in which the guide components of the magnetically levitated vehicle can find their place. For the guidance of a vehicle, the functional elements 7 serve, which are to be found on both sides of the upper flange. The functional elements 7 are engaged by a vehicle, where by the under, part of a vehicle is to be found in the area of the stator in the clearance space 6. By means of a non-changing cross-section of the beam 1, which is not disturbed by holders or bearing means, operation of a vehicle is made possible having favorable airflow and no repetitive impacts.

[0033] The beam 1 is, in the present embodiment, placed on bearing legs 8 which are on the piers 9. The piers 9 are, in this arrangement, in the area of the airflow-relevant zone completely covered by the lower flange 3 of the beam 1 and thus generate no disturbance of the pressurized air from the passage of a vehicle.

[0034] The invented shaping of the beam 1 provides, besides the above mentioned advantages, a particularly high transverse structural rigidity, and thus assures a comfortable and reliable operation of a vehicle. Especially because of the layout, in which the lower flange 3 is constructed broader than the upper flange 2, a particularly good stability of the beam 1 is assured. The consumption of material for the invented beam 1, which is high in comparison to that of the state of the technology, is compensated for by the increased favorable airflow characteristics and the energy saving in operation of the vehicle which the beam 1 allows.

[0035] By means of this shaping, in particular that of the lower flange 3, of which the upper side is sharply inclined, the entire surface of the beam 1 is so designed that a favorable handling of the slipstream of air away from the beam 1 is attained. The piers 9 are likewise subject to airflow but scarcely affect the dissipation of the escape of the pressurized air.

[0036] In FIG. 2, another beam 1 is depicted, which is similar to the beam 1 of FIG. 1. This beam 1 is presented in a canted position, which means, that for a bow-shaped travel-way, the two functional elements 7 display different heights. In this case, the curve travel for the magnetically levitated vehicle is enabled to be faster and more comfortable. The canting is so brought about, that the beam 1 is not seated directly on the load bearings 8, but, that load bearing consoles 12 are supplied, which create the banked position. The piers 9, as well as the thereupon located load bearings 8, thus act together direct with the load bearing consoles 12 and only indirectly with the beam 1, This has the advantage that the manufacture of the piers 9 as well as the load bearings 8 can be done without being dependent as to whether the travel-way is to run in straight line or be bow shaped. The compensation of the banked incline is done exclusively by the load bearing clamps 12. Alternatively, in any case provision may be made, that the piers 8 themselves take on the inclination and therewith the support of the beam 1 in the curves as well as in the straight section runs. In FIG. 3 is shown a beam 1, altered in contrast to the FIGS. 1, 2. Also, in this case the banking of the beam for a bow shaped run is shown. The beam 1 comprises, essentially a rectangular cross-section with extending upper and lower flanges, respectively 2 and 3. Also in this case, care has been taken as to the shaping of the beam 1, so that repeated air impacts during the passage of a magnetically levitated vehicle above are avoided.

[0037] The air, which is pressurized by a vehicle in its slipstream is conducted away over the shape of the beam 1, which allows a comfortable travel situation on a vehicle. For a shaping of the beam 1 of this kind, especially in the area of its webs 4, the clearance area 6 for a vehicle is especially well adapted to airflow. The gap between a vehicle and the beam 1 is, as far as elevation is concerned, substantially even, so that even in this aspect a guidance of a vehicle employing streamline technology has been made possible.

[0038]FIG. 4 shows a differently designed beam 1. This beam 1 is clearly lower than the previously depicted beams. This becomes possible, in that the support space, in which this beam 1 was constructed was chosen to be essentially shorter. Experience has shown, that beam design, especially for travel in the curves, for which, in the case of beam 1, i.e. the fastening consoles of the function elements 7 must be adjusted, can be done essentially more favorably, if the individual beams 1 are made shorter. The adjustment on the individual beams is carried out essentially faster and with more exactness due to the shorter chord, which the beam 1 assumes in the travel-way bend. In addition, because of the shorter spacing intervals of the supports, to maintain an equal rigidity of the beam 1 a lesser height of the beam 1 is necessary, whereby, however, construction material is saved, when compared with that used in the case of the straight sections.

[0039] While the beam, in accord with FIG. 4, corresponds in its fundamental shape to the beams of the FIGS. 1 and 2, in a further embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the beam has the basic outline of FIG. 3. It presents the idea, that the beams in the FIGS. 3 and 5 can be combined with one another, and that the beams of the FIGS. 1 or 2 and 4 can be combined with one another. The clearance way is, however, essentially the same for a vehicle, so that similar airflow relationships on the part of a vehicle exist both in straight line travel and in curve travel.

[0040] In the FIGS. 6 and 7, are perspective presentations of beams 1 in accord with the invention, which are designed to be especially airflow favorable. In FIG. 6 a beam 1 is shown, which, over its entire length, the cross-section shape does not change. Air pressure impacts on a vehicle by cross-sectional changes of the beam 1 are thus avoided. The loading consoles 12 in FIG. 7 are placed, in this case, deep on the beam 1, in order, that the airflow generated by the vehicle passing above can easily escape, that is to say, cannot act further upon a vehicle.

[0041] The beam 1 can also be so constructed, that its hollow space is left open at the bottom. The lower flange, in this case is then in two parts. The opening can run throughout the entire beam, or also be interrupted. In this case special advantages are gained in the manufacture of the beam 1, since the demolding of the beam 1 is very easy to carry out. A stiffening of such a beam 1 can be done by means of bottom plates, which simultaneous with the molding, or in retrofit fashion can be inserted or also achieved by the use of bulkheads. Instead of the beam with a hollow space, this design can include the beam being solid. The latter is particularly advantageous, if the beams be installed on bridges or primary construction operations and/or the beam lengths are shorter than as is intended for the usual stretches of the railroad.

[0042] The invention is not limited to the depicted-embodiment. Also other beam shapings, which allow the air pressurized by a vehicle to be favorably left to escape and essentially no airstream impacts upon the passing of a vehicle near the piers are generated are objects of the invention. 

Claimed is:
 1. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, especially a magnetically levitated vehicle, wherein the beam (1) is supported at spatial intervals on piers (9) and on the outside of said beam (1), functional elements (7) for the guidance of a vehicle are placed, therein characterized, in that the outer surface of the beam (1) in relation to a vehicle is designed to be airflow favorable, in that seen in the longitudinal direction of the beam (1), essentially, no cross-sectional alterations of the beam (1) are provided and the shape of the beam (1) predominately covers the piers (9) relative to a vehicle.
 2. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle in accord with claim 1, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) has a hollow space (5) and an upper flange 2 on the top side of which the functional elements (7) are placed.
 3. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) possesses a lower flange (3) which covers or shields the piers (9) in an airflow favorable manner.
 4. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) possesses a load bearing console (12) which essentially covers or shields the piers (9).
 5. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) has at least one opening (10) for inspection of the hollow space (5) of the beam (1).
 6. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that within the hollow space (5) of the beam (1), are laid supply lines and/or communication lines which are dependent on and/or independent of the operation of a vehicle.
 7. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) allows for a clearance space (6) for the reception of the guide elements 7 which engage the functional elements of a vehicle.
 8. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that on the under flange (3), and/or on the load bearing console, support elements (8) for supporting the beam (1) are placed on the piers (9)
 9. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) is made of concrete, especially from a precast concrete component.
 10. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the lower flange (3) is broader than the upper flange (2).
 11. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that that the beam (1) possesses a bulkhead and/or a haunch.
 12. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) is made shorter in curve areas of the travel-way and if necessary, also lower than in the straight through areas of the travel-way.
 13. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1), in curved areas of the travel-way, forms a space curve, in that the beam (1) is supported to be rotated about its axis and a radius is formed by lengthening or shortening the cantilever arm,.
 14. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the carrier (1) forms a space curve, while the upper flange (2) of the beam (1) is designed to be rotated about its longitudinal axis and by lengthening and/or shortening of the cantilever arm a radius is constructed.
 15. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the beam (1) in curve areas of the travel-way forms a spatial curve, wherein fastening consoles of the functional elements (7) in the longitudinal run of the beam (1) are offset as to height and by means of the lengthening or the shortening of the fastening consoles a radius is formed.
 16. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the hollow space (5) of the beam (1) is open at the bottom, whereby the lower flange (3) is constructed in two parts.
 17. A beam for a track guided high speed vehicle, in accord with one of the foregoing claims, therein characterized, in that the hollow space (5) of the beam (1) possesses bulkheads for the reinforcement of the beam (1). 